Rangers manager Steven Gerrard has hinted at a possible role for January signing Florian Kamberi against Braga, as quoted by the Glasgow Times.
After a two month break, the Gers return to European football tonight, with the first leg of their Round of 32 tie against the Portuguese club at Ibrox.
The game is likely to serve as a welcome distraction to poor league form, and it seems January signing Kamberi could benefit from the struggles of others.
“He is extremely close,” Gerrard said of the forward, as quoted by the Glasgow Times. “When you get indifferent performances in terms of the group and certain individuals, and as a manager you get a player who’s maybe waiting and pushing for an opportunity, obviously the chances increase.”
“There are people on the sidelines at the moment who are really pushing for opportunities and training really well, Flo being one of them. I told him to keep doing what he’s been doing because he’s been a real breath of fresh air.
“I was really impressed with him when he came on at the weekend so there will be an opportunity for him, I’m sure. And not just him. There are other people pushing in different areas.”
The manager went on to say that he’ll be selecting his side based on daily performances in training, rather than simply opting for those with greater European experience.
(Photo by Ewan Bootman/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Verdict
It’s perhaps little surprise that Kamberi is training well and raring to go.
He’s seen just 45 minutes of action since arriving at the club on deadline day and with Jermain Defoe seemingly nearing a return to action, he’ll want to show what he can do soon, before dropping further down the pecking order.
The Swiss-born forward found the net against Livingston at the weekend before being flagged offside, but the 35 minutes of playing time in that game will have likely built up his confidence.
As the competition’s top goalscorer, Alfredo Morelos is a shoo-in for this fixture and is highly likely to lead the line on his own.
However, with some of those in his support act, such as Ryan Kent, struggling for form, it sounds like Kamberi will be one of the go-to men off the bench if a spark is required.
While you’re here, why not check out our Preview of the game, over on our Rangers News YouTube channel.
